U.S. patent application number 11/729905 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for computer readable medium, computer data signal, instruction apparatus, image processing method and image processing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yuji Hikawa, Hajime Kajiyama, Shigeki Muramatsu, Takahide Sasamori.
Application Number | 20080055633 11/729905 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39151055 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080055633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kajiyama; Hajime ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
Computer readable medium, computer data signal, instruction
apparatus, image processing method and image processing system
Abstract
A computer readable medium stores a program causing a computer
to execute a process for creating a job. The process includes:
accepting document data created by application software; converting
the document data into image processing data in a format which is
interpretable when image processing is executed for the document
data; determining as to whether or not at least one of the document
data and the image processing data contains predetermined
information; and when it is determined that the at least one of the
document data and the image processing data contains the
predetermined information, outputting a job indicating (i)
executing the image processing for the image processing data and
(ii) creating an image of an execution history of the image
processing.
Inventors: |
Kajiyama; Hajime; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Muramatsu; Shigeki; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Sasamori; Takahide; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Hikawa;
Yuji; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE-265550
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20037-3213
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
Minato-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
39151055 |
Appl. No.: |
11/729905 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 ;
358/1.1; 715/273 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 2201/0094 20130101;
G06F 3/1247 20130101; H04N 2201/3222 20130101; G06F 3/1207
20130101; H04N 1/32101 20130101; G06F 3/1254 20130101; G06F 3/1205
20130101; G06F 3/1288 20130101; H04N 2201/3225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 ;
715/273; 358/1.1 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12; G06F 17/00 20060101 G06F017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2006 |
JP |
P2006-235421 |
Claims
1. A computer readable medium storing a program causing a computer
to execute a process for creating a job, the process comprising:
accepting document data created by application software; converting
the document data into image processing data in a format which is
interpretable when image processing is executed for the document
data; determining as to whether or not at least one of the document
data and the image processing data contains predetermined
information; and when it is determined that the at least one of the
document data and the image processing data contains the
predetermined information, outputting a job indicating (i)
executing the image processing for the image processing data and
(ii) creating an image of an execution history of the image
processing.
2. The medium according to claim 1, wherein the process further
comprises: allowing a user to set the predetermined
information.
3. The medium according to claim 1, wherein the format of the image
processing data is a printer description language.
4. The medium according to claim 1, wherein the image processing
for the image processing data comprises printing the image
processing data.
5. The medium according to claim 1, wherein: the predetermined
information includes text information corresponding to a retention
period, the process further comprises when it is determined that
the at least one of the document data and the image processing data
includes the text information, determining as to whether or not a
present time is within a period indicated by the text information,
and when it is determined that the at least one of the document
data and the image processing data includes the text information
and that the present time is within the period indicated by the
text information, the outputting outputs the job indicating (i)
executing the image processing for the image processing data and
(ii) creating the image of the execution history of the image
processing.
6. The medium according to claim 1, further comprising: when it is
determined that none of the document data and the image processing
data contains the predetermined information, outputting a job (i)
indicating execution of the image processing for the image
processing data and (ii) including a command for prohibiting
creation of an image of an execution history of the image
processing.
7. An instruction apparatus comprising: an accepting unit that
accepts document data created by application software; a converting
unit that converts the document data into image processing data in
a format which is interpretable when image processing is executed
for the document data; a determining unit that determines as to
whether or not at least one of the document data and the image
processing data contains predetermined information; and an
outputting unit that outputs a job indicating (i) executing the
image processing for the image processing data and (ii) creating an
image of an execution history of the image processing, when the
determining unit determines that the at least one of the document
data and the image processing data contains the predetermined
information.
8. The instruction apparatus comprising according to claim 7,
wherein: when the determining unit determines that none of the
document data and the image processing data contains the
predetermined information, the outputting unit outputs a job (i)
indicating execution of the image processing for the image
processing data and (ii) including a command for prohibiting
creation of an image of an execution history of the image
processing.
9. An image processing system comprising: an instruction apparatus
comprising: an accepting unit that accepts document data created by
application software; a converting unit that converts the document
data into image processing data in a format which is interpretable
when image processing is executed for the document data; a
determining unit that determines as to whether or not at least one
of the document data and the image processing data contains
predetermined information; and an outputting unit that outputs a
job indicating (i) executing the image processing for the image
processing data and (ii) creating an image of an execution history
of the image processing, when the determining unit determines that
the at least one of the document data and the image processing data
contains the predetermined information; and a processing apparatus
comprising: a creating unit that executes the image processing for
the image processing data and creates the image of the execution
history of the image processing before, during or after the
executing of the image processing, when the outputting unit of the
instruction apparatus outputs the job indicating (i) executing the
image processing for the image processing data and (ii) creating
the image of the execution history of the image processing.
10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising: a
management apparatus, wherein: the processing apparatus further
comprises: a transfer unit that transfers the image of the
execution history created by the creating unit, and the management
apparatus manages the image of the execution history transferred
from the transfer unit, together with identification information of
the transferred image.
11. An image processing method comprising: accepting document data
created by application software; converting the document data into
image processing data in a format which is interpretable when image
processing is executed for the document data; determining as to
whether or not at least one of the document data and the image
processing data contains predetermined information; and when it is
determined that the at least one of the document data and the image
processing data contains the predetermined information, outputting
a job indicating (i) executing the image processing for the image
processing data and (ii) creating an image of an execution history
of the image processing.
12. The image processing method according to claim 11, further
comprising: when it is determined that none of the document data
and the image processing data contains the predetermined
information, outputting a job (i) indicating execution of the image
processing for the image processing data and (ii) including a
command for prohibiting creation of an image of an execution
history of the image processing.
13. The image processing method according to claim 11, further
comprising: when the job indicating (i) executing the image
processing for the image processing data and (ii) creating the
image of the execution history of the image processing are output,
executing the image processing for the image processing data and
creating the image of the execution history of the image processing
before, during or after the executing of the image processing.
14. A computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave for enabling
a computer to perform a process for a process for creating a job,
the process comprising: accepting document data created by
application software; converting the document data into image
processing data in a format which is interpretable when image
processing is executed for the document data; determining as to
whether or not at least one of the document data and the image
processing data contains predetermined information; and when it is
determined that the at least one of the document data and the image
processing data contains the predetermined information, outputting
a job indicating (i) executing the image processing for the image
processing data and (ii) creating an image of an execution history
of the image processing.
15. The computer data signal according to claim 14, wherein the
process further comprises: when it is determined that none of the
document data and the image processing data contains the
predetermined information, outputting a job (i) indicating
execution of the image processing for the image processing data and
(ii) including a command for prohibiting creation of an image of an
execution history of the image processing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-235421
filed Aug. 31, 2006.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates to a computer readable medium, a
computer data signal, an instruction apparatus, an image processing
method and an image processing system.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to an aspect of the invention, a computer readable
medium stores a program causing a computer to execute a process for
creating a job. The process includes: accepting document data
created by application software; converting the document data into
image processing data in a format which is interpretable when image
processing is executed for the document data; determining as to
whether or not at least one of the document data and the image
processing data contains predetermined information; and when it is
determined that the at least one of the document data and the image
processing data contains the predetermined information, outputting
a job indicating (i) executing the image processing for the image
processing data and (ii) creating an image of an execution history
of the image processing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in
detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a drawing to show an image processing system
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram to show the main configuration of
the image processing system according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a drawing to show an example of a search target
setting screen;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a drawing to show an example of a registration
window;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a drawing to show an example of an edit
window;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a drawing to show an example of a warning
window;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a drawing to show the data structure of a job
file;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a flowchart to show the operation of the image
processing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a drawing to show a search target setting screen
in a client according to a second exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a drawing to show an example of a registration
window;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a drawing to show a data string of an electronic
watermark in a PDL description section;
[0016] FIG. 12 is a drawing to show an example of a registration
window in a client according to a third exemplary embodiment of the
invention; and
[0017] FIG. 13 is a drawing to show an example of a search target
setting screen in a client according to a fourth exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an image processing system 1 according to a
first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The image processing
system 1 includes a client 2 as a instruction apparatus for
accepting an image processing command (which will be hereinafter
referred to as "job"), a multifunction processing machine 3 as a
processing apparatus for executing the job and generating an image
of an execution history (which will be hereinafter referred to as
"image log"), a log server 4 as a management apparatus for storing
the generated image log, and a network 5 such as a LAN (local area
network) or the Internet for connecting the client 2, the
multifunction processing machine 3, and the log server 4. Although
FIG. 1 shows one client 2 and one multifunction processing machine
3, plural clients 2 and/or plural processing machines 3 may be
provided.
[0019] The "image" contains an image made up of a document, a
pattern and a photo or a table, an image of mixture of those, an
image of text information or image information superposed on an
original image, etc.
[0020] The "job" is a process or a process group to be executed by
a computer; here the "job" also contains a job that is a process
for executing a function such as a copying process, a printing
process, a scanning process, a fax transmission/reception process,
a job flow in which plural jobs are executed consecutively or
concurrently, image edit (combining, processing), etc.
[0021] The "processing apparatus" contains a copier, a printer, a
scanner, a facsimile, etc., as well as the multifunction processing
machine mentioned above. The multifunction processing machine
refers to a machine having plural functions such as a copying
function, a printing function, a scanning function, and a fax
transmission/reception function. The "processing apparatus" is made
up of not only a single unit, but also may be made up of plural
units corresponding to the plural functions.
[0022] The "image log" is an execution record image created as a
jog execution record and is an image created by job processing
before, during, or after execution of the job or is an image
created in association with the job processing. For example, used
as the "image log" may be an image provided by reducing the number
of pixels of the image handled in the job, an image into which a
color image is converted so as to have a smaller number of colors
or so as to have a gray scale, one or more images selected from
among images or all images handled in the job.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram to show the main configuration of
the image processing system 1.
(Client)
[0024] The client 2 has application software 20 that is a program,
such as a document preparation program, for causing a computer to
execute a process of creating, editing and storing document data, a
printer driver 21 that is software for outputting information for
controlling a job execution section of the printing function of the
multifunction processing machine 3, and a search target storage
section 22 for storing the search target as setting of an
instruction for creating an image log. The printer driver 21
implements an image processing program.
[0025] The client 2 can be implemented, for example, as an
apparatus such as a personal computer having a communication
section connected to the network 5, a CPU, a storage section made
up of ROM, RAM, an HDD, etc., for storing programs as shown in FIG.
8 containing the application software 20 and the printer driver 21
and various pieces of data of search targets, etc., an input
section including a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and a display section
such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying a setting
screen, etc.
[0026] The printer driver 21 converts document data that is created
in the application software 20 and that is instructed to be
printed, into a page description language (abbreviated as "PDL")
for generating data (image data) to be recognized and output by the
print job execution section of the multifunction processing machine
3. The printer driver 21 also converts a instruction attribute of
instruction information concerning printing instructed by the
application software 20 or the printer driver 21 into a printer job
language (abbreviated as "PJL").
[0027] The printer driver 21 includes a search target setting
section 210 for setting a search target, a job file generation
section 211 for generating job files in the PDL and the PJL, a data
analysis section 212, which may serve as a determining unit, for
analyzing the PDL and determining as to whether or not a search
target is included, namely, whether or not an image log is to be
created, an attribute specification section 213, which may serve as
an attribute addition unit, for adding to the job file an attribute
for instructing creation of an image log for instructing creation
of an image log as a job attribute of a printing process when a
search target is included, and a job file transmission section 214
for transmitting the job file to the multifunction processing
machine 3.
(Multifunction Processing Machine)
[0028] The multifunction processing machine 3 includes a job file
reception section 30 for receiving the job file from the client 2,
a job file analysis section 31 for analyzing the instruction
attribute of the job, a job attribute instruction section 32 for
receiving the instruction attribute of the job from the job file
analysis section 31 and if an instruction for creating an image log
an image log is given, sending the command to job execution
sections 35, an image log creation section 33 for creating an image
log file containing attribute information (for example, job log)
that are various pieces of information concerning an image log and
job processing, an image log transmission section 34, which may
serve as a transfer unit, for transferring the created image log
file to the log server 4, and plural job execution sections 35 for
executing jobs.
[0029] The job file analysis section 31, the job attribute
instruction section 32, and the image log creation section 33 of
the multifunction processing machine 3 can be implemented not only
as hardware, but also as a CPU and a storage section of ROM, RAM,
an HDD, etc., for storing programs, data, etc., as shown in FIG. 8,
and the like.
[0030] The job log may include a job ID that is information for
identifying a processing job, a job type that is a type of a
processing function in the job, a user, a use time, a number of
copies, a job status and a result of the job processing, for
example. The job execution sections 35 are provided in a one-to-one
correspondence with the functions of copying, printing, scanning
and fax.
(Log Server)
[0031] The log server 4 includes an image log reception section 40
for receiving the image log file containing the image log and the
jog log sent from the multifunction processing machine 3, an ID
addition section 41 for adding an image log creator ID
(identification information), for example, an ID generated for each
multifunction processing machine 3 to the image log file, and an
image log storage section 42 for storing the image log file and the
ID.
[0032] The log server 4 can be implemented, for example, as an
apparatus such as a host computer having a communication section
connected to the network 5, a CPU, a storage section made up of
ROM, RAM, an HDD, etc., for storing programs and data as shown in
FIG. 8, an input section including a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and a
display section for displaying a setting screen, etc.
(Operation of Image Processing System)
[0033] Next, the operation of the image processing system 1
according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 and according to a flowchart of FIG.
8.
(1) Setting of Search Target
[0034] FIG. 3 shows an example of a search target setting screen.
When a user operates the input section of the client 2, the search
target setting section 210 displays a search target setting screen
100 shown in FIG. 3 on the display section of the client 2. The
search target setting screen 100 allows the user to set a search
target, which is used in setting the instruction for creating the
image log. The search target setting screen 100 includes tabs 101a
to 101e, that is "BASIC," "TRAY/EJECT," "GRAPHICS," "LOG/FORM," and
"DETAILED SETTING." The search target setting screen 100 also
includes a listing window 103 for listing character strings (text
information) 102 of the registered search target on the right side
of the LOG/FORM tab 101d. The search target setting screen 100 also
includes a "NEW REGISTRATION" button 104a, an "EDIT" button 104b, a
"DELETE" button 104c, and a "FIRST PAGE ONLY" check box 105 below
the listing window 103. A document image 106 containing the
character string 102 specified in the listing window 103 is
displayed on the left side of the listing window 103.
[0035] The "NEW REGISTRATION" button 104a is used to register a new
character string 102, the "EDIT" button" 104b is used to edit any
registered character string 102, and the "DELETE" button 104c is
used to delete any registered character string 102.
[0036] If the user checks the "FIRST PAGE ONLY" check box 105, only
the first page of a document, which is instructed to be printed, is
searched for a character string matching the setup character string
102.
[0037] Numeral 104d denotes an "OK" button for confirming the
settings made on the setting screen 100 and numeral 104e denotes a
"CANCEL" button for canceling the settings.
[0038] For example, "Circular," "Reference," "Urgent," "Copy
Prohibited," "Handle With Care," "Important Document,"
"Confidential Document," and the like are listed on the listing
window 103 as the registered character strings. "Secret,"
"Nickname," "Contract," and the like are also listed although they
are not shown in the figure. Further, "(None)" is displayed on the
top of the listing and the user specifies "(None)" if he or she
does not specify any character string 102. For example, if the user
selects the "Important Document" character string 102 from among
the listed character strings 102, the selected character string is
reverse-displayed on the listing window 103 as shown in FIG. 3 and
if the user selects the "OK" button 104d, the search target setting
section 210 stores the "Important Document" character string 102 in
the search target storage section 22 as the search target.
(a) New Registration
[0039] If the user selects the "NEW REGISTRATION" button 104a, a
registration window 110 is displayed on the display section,
allowing the user to register a new search target character string
102.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows an example of the registration window 110.
Displayed in the right portion of the registration window 110 are a
registration name input field 111a for entering a registration name
112a, a character string input field 111b for entering a search
target character string 112b, which is used in setting an
instruction for creating an image log, and character attribute
selection fields 113a to 113e for selecting character font name,
size, bold, italic, and color respectively. A document image 116 is
displayed in the left portion of the registration window 110.
[0041] Numeral 114a denotes an "OK" button for confirming the
registration and numeral 114b denotes a "CANCEL" button for
canceling the registration. The registration window 110 may be
provided with no character attribute selection fields 113a to
113e.
[0042] If the user operates the mouse of the input section of the
client 2 for moving a cursor to the input fields 111a and 111b and
operates the keyboard of the input section for entering a
registration name 112a in the registration name input field 111a
and a character string 112b in the character string input field
111b and then selects the "OK" button 114a, the character string
112b is newly registered and is displayed on the listing window
103.
(b) Editing of Search Target
[0043] If the user selects the "EDIT" button 104b on the setting
screen 100 shown in FIG. 3, an edit window 120 is displayed on the
display section of the client 2, allowing the user to edit a
character string 102.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows an example of the edit window 120 having a
function of editing a once registered character string 102. A
registration name input field 121a, a character string input field
121b, and character attribute selection fields 123a to 123e for
selecting character font name, size, bold, italic, and color
respectively are displayed on the edit window 120 like the
registration window 110 shown in FIG. 4. A document image 126
containing a character string 122b entered in the character string
input field 121b is displayed on the left portion of the edit
window 120.
[0045] If the user selects the character string 102 to be edited
out of the listing on the listing window 103 of the setting screen
100 shown in FIG. 3 and selects the "EDIT" button 104b, the edit
window 120 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed and the character string
122b to be edited is displayed in the character string input field
121b. If the user operates the keyboard of the input section for
editing the character string 122b in the character string input
field 121b and selects the "OK" button 124a, the post-edited
character string 102 is registered and the post-edited character
string 122b is displayed on the listing window 103 shown in FIG.
3.
(c) Deletion of Character String
[0046] To delete any registered character string, if the user
selects the character string 102 to be deleted out of the listing
on the listing window 103 of the setting screen 100 shown in FIG. 3
and selects the "DELETE" button 104c on the setting screen 100
shown in FIG. 3, a warning window 130 is displayed on the display
section of the client 2, allowing the user to delete the setup
character string.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows an example of the warning window. It shows the
case where "Important Document" is to be deleted. A warning message
131 such that "REGISTRATION OF SPECIFIED `IMPORTANT DOCUMENT` WILL
BE DELETED. ONCE FILE IS DELETED, YOU CANNOT RESTORE IT. ARE YOU
SURE YOU WANT TO DELETE THIS FILE?" is displayed on the warning
window 130. If the user presses an "OK" button 132a, the character
string 102 is deleted. If the user presses a "CANCEL" button 132b,
the deletion command is canceled.
(2) Data Analysis
[0048] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the data structure of a job file 50
generated by the job file generation section 211. The following
processing flow will be described with the assumption that the
search target is set through the search target setting section 210
so that the character string 102 is "secret," the font name is
Helvetica and the font size is 15 points and with the assumption
that such a search target is stored in the search target storage
section 22. For PDL data, PostScript (trademark of Adobe Systems
Incorporated) language is used by way of example. However, any
other language such as Interpress (trademark of Xerox Corporation)
may be used.
[0049] Upon reception of document data which is instructed to be
printed from the application software 20 (S1), the job file
generation section 211 of the printer driver 21 generates a job
file 50. That is, the job file generation section 211 generates a
PDL description portion 52 representing the document data in the
PDL and generates first and second PJL description portions 51A and
51B in the PJL based on the instruction attribute of the job.
[0050] Next, the data analysis section 212 analyzes the PDL
description portion 52 (S2) and analyzes as to whether or not the
PDL description portion 52 contains the search target stored in the
search target storage section 22 (S3). In the example shown in FIG.
7, the information "/Helvetica findfont [15 0 0 15 0 0] makefont
setfont ("secret") show" described in the PDL description portion
52 contains information "character string 102: "secret", "font
name: Helvetica," "font size: 15 points" of the search target
stored in the search target storage section 22 (YES at S3).
Therefore, the data analysis section 212 notifies to the attribute
specification section 213 that the search target is included. At
step S3, if the PDL description portion 52 is described in
character strings, whether or not the character strings match the
character strings of the search target stored in the search target
storage section 22 may be analyzed. Alternatively, if the
description of the PDL description portion 52 is coded by a
predetermined coding system, the PDL description portion 52 may be
decoded into character strings and then whether or not the
character strings match the character strings of the search target
stored in the search target storage section 22 may be analyzed.
Further, the data analysis section 212 may analyze the document
data received from the application software 20 rather than the
information described in the PDL description portion 52 and may
analyze as to whether or not the document data contains the search
target stored in the search target storage section 22.
[0051] Upon reception of the notification that the search target is
included from the data analysis section 212, the attribute
specification section 213 adds "@PJL SET JOBATTR="@IMAGELOG=on""
which is a description of an attribute 53 indicating an instruction
for creating an image log to the second PJL description portion 51B
as shown in FIG. 7A (S4). If the PDL description portion 52 does
not include the search target (NO at S3), no attribute for
instructing creation of an image log is added. Alternatively, the
attribute specification section 213 may add "@PJL SET
JOBATTR="@IMAGELOG=off"" which is a description indicating of an
attribute 53 indicating an instruction for prohibiting creation of
an image log, to the second PJL description portion 51B as shown in
FIG. 7B.
[0052] The job file transmission section 214 transmits the job file
50 to the multifunction processing machine 3 through the network 5
(S5).
(3) Job Execution
[0053] When the job file reception section 30 of the multifunction
processing machine 3 receives the job file 50 from the client 2
(S6), the job file analysis section 31 analyzes the instruction
attribute described in the first and second PJL description
portions 51A and 51B in the job file 50 sent from the client 2
(S7). The job attribute instruction section 32 receives the
instruction attribute concerning a job processing request from the
job file analysis section 31 and requests the job execution section
35 to perform job processing. The corresponding job execution
section 35 executes the job (S8). The image log creation section 33
creates a job log (S9). Further, the image log creation section 33
determines as to whether or not the instruction attribute contains
an attribute for instructing creation of an image log (S10). If an
attribute for instructing creation of an image log is contained
(YES at S10), the image log creation section 33 creates an image
log from the job file 50 as well as normal print job processing and
creates an image log file including the image log and the job log
(S11). The image log transmission section 34 transfers the created
image log file to the log server 4 through the network 5 (S12).
(4) Job Management
[0054] When the image log reception section 40 of the log server 40
receives the image log file sent from the multifunction processing
machine 3 (S13), the ID addition section 41 adds ID (identification
information), for example, ID generated for each multifunction
processing machine 3 to the image log file (S14), and stores the
image log file with the ID in the image log storage section 42
(S15).
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0055] Next, a second exemplary embodiment of the invention will be
described. While In the first exemplary embodiment, a character
string is a search target which is used in setting an instruction
for creating an image log, in the second exemplary embodiment,
electronic watermark image information (or text information) can be
set as a search target. The others portions of the second exemplary
embodiment are similar to those of the first exemplary
embodiment.
(Operation of Image Processing System)
[0056] Next, the operation of an image processing system 1
according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described with
reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
(1) Setting of Search Target
[0057] FIG. 9 shows a search target setting screen 140 in a client
2 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the invention. A
listing window 141 for listing registered electronic watermark
character strings 102 is provided in the right portion of the
search target setting screen 140. A "NEW REGISTRATION" button 144a,
an "EDIT" button 144b, a "DELETE" button 144c, an "OK" button 144d,
and a "CANCEL" button 144e are provided below the listing window
141. A document image 146 having an electronic watermark 142b is
displayed in the left portion of the listing window 141.
[0058] The "electronic watermark" refers to both of (a) electronic
watermark image information embedded in image data and includes a
visible electronic watermark in a recognizable form like a log and
(b) an invisible electronic watermark which is unrecognizable to
human's eyes but can provide information such as a creator when it
is read by dedicated electronic watermark detection software.
[0059] The "NEW REGISTRATION" button 144a is used to register a new
electronic watermark character string 142a, the "EDIT" button 144b
is used to edit any registered character string 142a, and the
"DELETE" button 144c is used to delete any registered character
string 142a.
[0060] If the user checks a "FIRST PAGE ONLY" check box 145, only
the first page of the document data is searched for an electronic
watermark matching the setup electronic watermark 142b.
[0061] Numeral 144d denotes an "OK" button for confirming the
setting on the setting screen 140 and numeral 144e denotes a
"CANCEL" button for canceling the setting.
[0062] If the user selects a character string 142a out of the
listing window 141 on the search target setting screen 140 shown in
FIG. 9 and selects the "OK" button 144d, a search target setting
section 210 stores the character string 142a in a search target
storage section 22 as an electronic watermark 142b, and displays
the electronic watermark 142b in the document image 146.
(a) New Registration
[0063] If the user selects the "NEW REGISTRATION" button 144a in
FIG. 9, a registration window 150 is displayed on a display
section, allowing the user to register a new electronic watermark
character string.
[0064] FIG. 10 shows an example of the registration window. A
registration name input field 151a for entering a registration name
152a and a character string input field 151b for entering an
electronic watermark character string 152b to set creation of an
image log are displayed in the right portion of the registration
window 150, and a document image 156 containing the character
string 152b entered in the character string input field 151b is
displayed in the left portion of the registration window 150. To
enter text in the input fields 151a and 151b, if the user operates
a mouse of an input section of the client 2 for moving a cursor to
the input fields 151a and 151b and operates a keyboard of the input
section for entering text and then selects an "OK" button 154a, a
character string 152b is newly registered and is displayed on the
listing window 141 in FIG. 9.
(b) Edit of Search Target
[0065] If the user selects the "EDIT" button 144b in FIG. 9, a
similar window is opened. For example, if the user selects
"Circular" and then selects the "EDIT" button 144b in FIG. 9, the
entry in the registration name input field 151a in FIG. 10 becomes
"Circular."
(2) Data Analysis
[0066] If the user specifies "Circular" as an electronic watermark
on the search target setting screen 140 shown in FIG. 9, a data
string of the electronic watermark represented in the PDL is
described in a PDL description portion 52 as shown in FIG. 11.
[0067] A data analysis section 212 analyzes as to whether or not
the PDL description portion 52 contains the data string "Circular."
If the PDL description portion 52 contains this data string, an
attribute specification section 213 adds an attribute 53 for
instructing creation of an image log to a second PJL description
portion 51B, and a job file transmission section 214 transmits the
job file to a multifunction processing machine 3. The subsequent
operation is similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment and
therefore will not be described again.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0068] Next, a third exemplary embodiment of the invention will be
described. While in the first exemplary embodiment, a character
string is a search target used in setting an instruction for
creating an image log, in the third exemplary embodiment, bit map
image information (or text information) such as a logo can be set
as a search target. The other portions of the third exemplary
embodiment are similar to those of the first exemplary
embodiment.
(Operation of Image Processing System)
[0069] Next, the operation of an image processing system 1
according to the third exemplary embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 12.
(1) Setting of Search Target
[0070] FIG. 12 shows a registration window 160 in a client 2
according to the third exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Provided in the right portion of the registration window 160 are a
registration name input field 161a for entering a registration
name, a bit map input field 161b for entering, by a character
string 162, a bit map image which is the search target and which is
represented by arranged dots, and a "SELECT" button 165. A document
image 166 having character string 162 represented by a bit map is
displayed on the left side of the input fields 161a and 161b. An
"OK" button 164a and a "CANCEL" button 164b are provided below the
input fields 161a and 161b.
[0071] If the user enters a file name containing a directory in a
<NEW> part of the bit map input field 161b or selects the
"SELECT" button 165 in FIG. 12, a window opens for allowing the
user to select a bit map file and the user specifies a bit map out
of the window. If the user specifies a bit map and selects the "OK"
button 164a, a character string 162a of the bit map is retained in
a search target storage section 22 and a bit map 162c set in a
document image 166 is displayed.
(2) Data Analysis
[0072] If image data received from application software 20 contains
a bit map, a job file generation section 211 describes the bit map
in the PDL in a PDL description portion 52. A data analysis section
212 analyzes as to whether or not the PDL description portion 52
contains the data string of the bit map. If the PDL description
portion 52 contains the data string, an attribute specification
section 213 adds an attribute 53 for instructing creation of an
image log to a second PJL description portion 51B, and a job file
transmission section 214 transmits the job file to a multifunction
processing machine 3. The subsequent operation is similar to that
in the first exemplary embodiment and therefore will not be
described again.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0073] Next, a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be
described. While in the first exemplary embodiment, a character
string is a search target setting an instruction for creating an
image log, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, a character string
(text information) indicating a time period such as a "retention
period," can be set as a search target. The other portions of the
fourth exemplary embodiments are similar to those of the first
exemplary embodiment.
(Operation of Image Processing System)
[0074] Next, the operation of an image processing system 1
according to the fourth exemplary embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 13.
(1) Setting of Search Target
[0075] FIG. 13 shows an example of a search target setting screen
170 in a client 2 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of
the invention. The search target setting screen 170 is displayed
when the user selects the "DETAILED SETTING" tab 101e on the
setting screen 100 in FIG. 3. A listing window 171 for listing
detailed setting items is provided in the middle portion of the
search target setting screen 170. Provided below the listing window
171 are a selection field 173a for the user to select YES or NO for
"RECORD AN IMAGE LOG WITHIN RETENTION PERIOD", an important
document format display field 173b, and a retention period format
specification field 173c. An "OK" button 174a and a "CANCEL" button
174b are provided at the bottom of the search target setting screen
170.
[0076] In FIG. 13, "YY/MM/DD" is specified in the retention period
format specification field 173c. The specification field is a list
box, allowing the user to specify a format of YYYY/MM/DD, MM/DD/YY,
YYYY.MM.DD, or the like.
[0077] If the user sets the selection field 173a of "RECORD AN
IMAGE LOG WITHIN RETENTION PERIOD" to YES and specifies the format
in the retention period format specification field 173c and then
selects the "OK" button 174a, the retention period is stored in a
search target storage section 22.
[0078] A job file generation section 211 creates a job file from
document data received from application software 20 and a data
analysis section 212 analyzes as to whether or not a PDL
description portion 52 contains a character string indicating the
setup retention period. If the PDL description portion 52 contains
the character string indicating the "retention period" and the
current time is within the retention period, an attribute
specification section 213 adds an attribute 53 for instruction
creation of an image log to a second PJL description portion 51B,
and a job file transmission section 214 transmits the job file to a
multifunction processing machine 3. The subsequent operation is
similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment and therefore
will not be described again.
Other Embodiments
[0079] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the specific embodiments thereof and various modifications and
changes may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope
of the invention. It is also to be understood that the components
of the exemplary embodiments can be used in any desired combination
without departing from the spirit and the scope of the
invention.
[0080] For example, the search target may be a copy restraining
image (image information or text information). (For example, refer
to JP Hei. 11-298717 A.) The "copy restraining image" refers to an
image made up of a background pattern not reproduced at the copying
time and a hidden pattern reproduced at the copying time. The
background pattern includes a dot-like or diagonally-shaped
pattern. The hidden pattern includes not only a character string of
"for internal use only," "copy prohibited," document data creator,
etc., but also a symbol, a pattern, etc. Also in this case, PDL is
analyzed, whereby whether or not a copy restraining image is
contained can be analyzed and if a copy restraining image is
contained, an attribute for instruction creation of an image log
can be added.
[0081] In the exemplary embodiments described above, the image log
file is retained in the log server, but may be retained in a
multifunction processing machine or external storage without being
retained in the log server. The job log and the image log may be
retained in different units (apparatus). Although the image log
file is generated as a file made up of a job log and an image log,
an image log file of a retained image file and a jog log file may
be generated independently as they are associated with each other,
and may be transmitted separately to the log server.
[0082] The programs used in the exemplary embodiments may be read
into the apparatus from a record medium such as a CD-ROM or may be
downloaded into the apparatus from a server, etc., connected to a
network such as the Internet.
[0083] In the exemplary embodiments described above, when search
target information is contained in image processing data in an
interpretable format (for example, PDL description section) when
image processing of document data is performed, a creation command
of an image of an execution history is given, but when search
target information is contained in document data, a creation
command of an image of an execution history may be given.
[0084] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many
modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners
skilled in the art. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the invention
and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in
the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and
with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *